Environment

Clean air, high-quality drinking water, rich biodiversity and resource efficiency all have an impact on people’s well-being and the sustainability of the economy. Environmental statistics help us understand how human activities affect the natural environment and how much pressure is placed on natural resources. The statistics also reflect the economic activities related to the environment and the amount of environmental investments.

Statistics Estonia publishes data in seven main areas:

• waste
• environmental protection funding
• environmental pressure indicators
• climate and air
• natural resources
• material and energy efficiency
• green economy

These data provide an overview of resource use, waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental taxes and subsidies, and expenditure and investments related to environmental protection. These statistics also make it possible to assess the resource efficiency of the economy and monitor the transition to more sustainable patterns of production and consumption.

Environmental statistics are necessary for state agencies, enterprises, researchers and the general public. The data are used to develop environmental and climate policies, assess the use of natural resources, plan investments and monitor progress towards sustainable development and green transition goals. The data also enable comparisons between Estonia and other countries and provide important input to European and other international organisations.